The preceding Prime Minister, Facta led a weak Liberal government in February-October 1922. Facta was also responsible for Mussolini’s appointment to some extent. The Liberal government’s attitude to Fascism was that if it were left, it would help to work out the problems Socialism was causing and prevent a further spread of Socialism. It did very little to impede Fascism’s development. Liberal governments had failed to confront Italy’s internal problems since Unification and by the time Facta was Prime Minister, not much had changed.
Facta, like many of his predecessors, had failed to take a stand against Fascism and had to decide whether to take government action against them or to capitulate.
Although his government resigned, Facta was asked to stay on as Prime Minister. He called for the King to grant martial law and let the army take steps to crush the fascist revolt, but it was a case of too little too late and no effective stand could be made against the Fascists.
After World War One, many embittered soldiers joined Mussolini in the Fascist movement. These soldiers were angry about the ‘mutilated victory’ that Italy had suffered at the hands of a Liberal government. The Fascist party promised righteousness and justice for those who had suffered and many generals joined the ranks of Fascism. It was these generals that helped to contribute to the Kings hesitation over granting martial law to Facta.
The violence of the Fascists was a main factor in Mussolini’s appointment as Prime Minister. Mussolini organised a private army of several hundred Blackshirts who had arms provided for them. This allowed Mussolini to take control politically over central and northern Italy. It also meant that he did not have to enter into any acts of violence as he could alternate the use of the Blackshirts and his own political manoeuvring.
In general, Fascism was more popular among rural communities rather than in the large cities such as Turin and Milan. There was a large fear of Socialism within the countryside that won the Fascists much support. Farmers and peasants believed that Socialists threatened their gains. There was considerable resentment over the power of Socialist Land Leagues and many farmers were prepared to take action against the Socialist threat. Many small landowners harmed by Socialist local government and worried about a Socialist revolution joined the movement. Labourers, tenants, farm managers and some better-off peasants were recruited to the squadristi and enabled the Fascist’s to challenge the Socialist hold over the countryside. Many landowners and large farmers supported the Fascist movement due to its violent opposition towards the Socialists.
The squadristi had no problem obtaining arms; with their anti-Socialist commitment they often received help from the army and police. By the late 1920s, the squadristi had proved so effective that urban industrialists to rural landlords, tired of the indifference of the government, were willing to pay generously for their help against Socialist trade unions. Right-wing violence was being tolerated and important economic groups were drawn towards supporting the Fascists. These groups supported them morally and gave generous financial donations. Many Liberals agreed with the Fascist violence and they were seen as defenders of the country against a left-wing takeover. Although at first Mussolini had little to do with the squadristi, as soon as they began to receive donations and attract support from rural areas, he was quick to take credit for their role as ‘protectors of society’.
The squadristi were not forcibly resisted and many people worked along side them with no challenge or opposition. This is because the squadristi had created an aura of power around them, and people fully believed it. This aura of power was not challenged as in Italy at this time, what people thought was often more important than the truth and what was actually happening.
By now, the Fascists had gained not only the support of industrialists and the elite, but also the Pope. Mussolini became more respectable in the eyes of Italians with more power and developed a good impression.
The main reason why Fascism was successful was the fear that the Socialists had created. The lack of unity within the Socialists, shown in the failed attempt of a revolution made them an easy target for the Fascists and a weak opposition. However the threat of Socialism did allow the Fascists to continue and as the Liberal government were more concerned by the spread of Socialism, Fascism was even encouraged! As Fascism was so opposed to Socialism, people saw it as the lesser of two evils and therefore it was not stopped by the government and had support from Italians scared of the Socialists.
The leadership qualities of Mussolini himself must not be overlooked in his appointment as Prime Minister. Mussolini was a highly talented and recognisable leader. He was also very talented when it came to altering his policies in order to gain more support form new types of Italians. This is evident in the fact that in 1919 the Fascists primarily appealed to workers, poorer people and socialists whilst alienating other groups of people such as industrialists and religious organisations. Later on though, his manifesto changed to include these once alienated groups, giving him more respectability and support. When Fascism was a left wing movement they did have supporters such as, Veterans from the war particularly the Arditi, Farmers, Factory workers, Artists, Poets, Anarchists, Nationalists and Publicans but these people didn't have the money to put into the movement unless there was a socialist revolution. However by 1922 Mussolini's ideas had changed from being left wing to right wing and as a consequence so did his supporters.
Mussolini was also a very gifted speaker and this was used effectively in propaganda that allowed the movements profile to rise considerably. His skill as politician allowed him exploit the squadristi and also to boost his respectability and negotiate better with other politicians. Mussolini also recognised the fear of Socialism in Italy and acted upon it quickly. Some argue that the success of the Fascists was purely down to Mussolini as the Socialists were a greater party.
It could be argued that Mussolini was appointed by entirely constitutional means by King Victor Emmanuel. A telegram was sent inviting Mussolini to be a member of a coalition government as the King hoped it would preserve law and order. However, others must share the blame for Mussolini’s appointment, namely Prime Minister Facta and his Liberal government.
The Fascists were a minority within the government and many of the elite thought that a period in office would calm them, a few politically experienced thought that their office would be as short as previous ones. Many older politicians ignored many daily acts of Fascist violence and felt the Fascist rule would be short-lived.
Although it seemed that Mussolini’s appointment as Prime Minister was inevitable, if the King or any politicians had acted differently in events leading up to Mussolini’s appointment, it could have been a very different story. In theory, the idea of bringing the Fascists into a coalition government seemed logical and that it could be used in order to tame the movement. In reality however, the Fascists were not tamed and King Victor Emmanuel’s appointment may well have been a miscalculation.
